Yellowknife’s annual Voices for Peace conference is returning in September, bringing community and faith leaders together to discuss some of the city’s biggest challenges.
This year’s theme – When Crises Converge – focuses on homelessness, addiction, climate disasters and economic uncertainty.
The conference has been organized in Yellowknife by volunteers with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for about 18 years. Organizer Basheer Islam said the goal is to bring people with different experiences and perspectives together to discuss local issues and find solutions.
“We start with goodwill, and we bring a message of hope and togetherness,” Islam said.
He said local challenges are connected to broader issues, including climate-related disasters and economic upheaval.
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For Islam, solutions start with fairness.
“I think the solution of all of these problems lie in justice and fairness for all,” he said, adding that solutions favouring one group over another can create ill will and allow problems to grow into larger crises.
The panel will bring together Indigenous, Islamic, Christian and social perspectives, with Yellowknife city councillor Garett Cochrane moderating the discussion.
Islam said he hopes residents will leave with a sense of hope and a better understanding of how they can contribute to their community.
The free event takes place on Sunday, September 20 at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. Doors open at 1:30pm, with the program running from 2-4pm.
